Tourists to Greece Spend Less on Restaurants, More on Supermarkets

Greece’s restaurant sector is seeing weaker sales this summer despite record arrivals of foreign visitors, as more tourists opt for supermarket meals and cooking at short-term rentals, industry officials said.

Representatives of the catering sector estimate consumption has dropped by an average of 20% compared with last year, with sharper declines in some regions. Rising operating costs have added pressure to businesses already facing reduced footfall and smaller orders from both foreign and domestic customers.

By contrast, supermarkets are reporting strong growth, particularly on islands and in Crete, as visitors turn to ready-made meals and groceries as cheaper alternatives to dining out.

According to NielsenIQ data, supermarket sales nationwide rose 7.8% in value to €10.44 billion in the year to August 24. Food and beverage sales increased 7.5%, while fresh produce and items sold by weight climbed 11.5%. Regional growth was strongest in island Greece, up 11.3%, with Crete at 9.7%.

Via eKathimerini